How did Eric Ortiz die? 'Cheer' star Gabi Butler mourns death of 10-time cheerleading champ at 30
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY: Eric Ortiz, 30, a 10-time national champion and former Louisville Cardinals cheerleader, died on Saturday, October 22, reports Miami Herald. Ortiz died unexpectedly from unknown causes, according to family members and former teammates.
Ortiz was a cheerleader for the University of Louisville and has won two world championships during his career, reports bleacherreports.com. Cheerleader Gabi Butler, who starred in Netflix docuseries 'Cheer', took to Instagram and said, "My heart is completely torn into a million pieces…. the thought of not being able to hear your laugh or see that beautiful smile shatters me. Eric Ortiz, you were the most beautiful soul i’ve ever met 🤍 I wish i could have given you more, because you gave so many people so much of yourself."
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The post continued, "You walked into a room and it lit up with this bright light. You were full of joy, laughter, happiness, light and love. From the very moment I saw you, i knew you were special. You walked over to me with the biggest smile on your face and said “hi i’m Eric, im your new base… can I throw you?” and I knew from that point on that we were going to click and be best friends…" It then added, "The memories that we have shared are ones that a lot of people don’t get to share because they were so special. You were such a unique/ old soul and all I can say now is I will always and forever love you with every part of me. You were too good of a person and now you were called to go home 🙏🏽."
"Your memory will live with me forever and I want to thank you for making me feel like i was invincible because you always made me feel like I was on top of the world. I love you with all my heart and soul Eric… rest easy my angel, you will always be missed and in my heart." On Tribute Archives, It is mentioned that the funeral will occur on Thursday, October 27 between 3pm - 8pm and Saint Raymond's Cemetery, 2600 Lafayette Avenue at Bronx will be his final resting place.
Who is Eric Ortiz?
Gym Tyme All Stars stated on Facebook, "This weekend was supposed to be like any other Homecoming weekend here in Louisville. Our athletes would cheer at the game, our alumni would tailgate and reminisce about their time in the program, and we would all have time together after to enjoy each other’s company as we did in the past."
" This Homecoming weekend turned out to be one none of us expected. One of our own beloved athletes, alumnae, and friends was called home. Eric Ortiz was a force when he joined our program. He could stunt, tumble, jump, dance, and perform with some of the greatest athletes that have ever stepped a shoe onto a cheer floor. He was captivating as an athlete. He could do it all and that he did. He was a leader at practice and on the competition floor."
Further, it added, "Eric was a sweet, amazing, and genuine person. There were always plenty of smiles, hugs, and reasons to laugh when he was near. His positivity was infectious with his teammates, program, and friends. He was a light that pushed whatever darkness and worry present- away.As we all face this moment of darkness together, we will remember that we are not alone. We still have each other and our memories of you. We will miss you terribly but know you would want us to live our best life. Thank you for letting us be a part of your magnificent time here."